Can You Use Windex On The Tesla Screen? - Windex and Tesla Screens: What You Need to Know

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Can You Use Windex On The Tesla Screen? – Introduction

So you’ve had your Tesla for a while and noticed some smudges and fingerprints on that giant touchscreen. It’s time for a cleaning, but you’re worried about damaging the sensitive display. While the touchscreen is durable, it does require a gentle touch. Spray the cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth instead of directly onto the screen. Ensure the cloth is damp but not soaked, and gently wipe using small circular motions.

Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and paper products which can scratch the surface. Take your time and be thorough, paying extra attention to the edges and corners of the screen. With regular light cleaning using the proper methods, your Tesla touchscreen will continue functioning like new for years.

Tesla Screen Cleaning Mode, and Recommended Wipes: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XgjogtUoRZY&pp=ygUnQ2FuIFlvdSBVc2UgV2luZGV4IE9uIFRoZSBUZXNsYSBTY3JlZW4_

Can You Use Windex on a Tesla Screen?

So you want to clean your Tesla’s giant touchscreen but need to know if you can use a regular glass cleaner like Windex. The short answer is no; you should avoid using Windex or similar ammonia-based cleaners on your Tesla screen.

Tesla recommends only using a soft, lint-free cloth like microfiber to wipe down the touchscreen gently. Isopropyl alcohol wipes can be used sparingly for stubborn smudges. Harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and paper products should be avoided since they can damage the screen coating.

Why can’t you use Windex?

Windex and other glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can strip the special anti-reflective and anti-smudge coatings on the Tesla touchscreen over time. These coatings give the screen its crystal clear, high-tech sheen and help prevent fingerprints. Once damaged, the screen will become increasingly prone to glares, smudges, and fingerprints – not a good look!

The touchscreen is also more than just a sheet of glass. It contains sensitive electronic components and touch sensors beneath the surface that can be harmed by liquid seeping into cracks or crevices. It’s best not to risk it and stick to the recommended cleaning methods. Your high-tech Tesla will thank you for it!

Please keep it simple; a soft, lint-free cloth and maybe some isopropyl alcohol wipes are all you need to keep your Tesla’s touchscreen clean and shining like new. Avoid Windex and any other harsh chemicals to prevent damage. With proper care and cleaning, your touchscreen will continue to function flawlessly for the life of your vehicle.

Why Regular Glass Cleaners Should Be Avoided

The touchscreens in Teslas are different from your average glass display. They’re made of specialized, multi-layered glass that requires custom care. Regular glass cleaners like Windex can damage the coating and reduce visibility over time.

Instead, Tesla recommends using a microfiber lens cleaning tissue or soft, lint-free cloth like eyeglass cleaning wipes designed specifically for anti-reflective coatings. Gently wipe the screen in small circular motions, applying light pressure. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or paper products like paper towels that can scratch the surface.

For stuck-on messes or stubborn smudges, here are a few safe cleaning tips:

• Use distilled water or a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray it onto the cloth instead of directly onto the screen.

• Create a simple water solution and a tiny amount of mild dish soap, like baby shampoo. Use a damp microfiber cloth to blot until the mess comes off gently.

• Rubbing alcohol can dissolve sticky residues. Apply it with a cloth, never directly. Make sure to wipe away any remaining moisture to prevent damage.

• Avoid using any ammonia, acetone or other strong solvents that can strip the screen coating.

• Never use abrasive pads, scrubbers or paper products on the touchscreen.

• Double-check that wipes or cleaning products specifically state they are safe for use on anti-reflective or oleophobic-coated glass before using them on your Tesla screen.

Keeping your Tesla’s touchscreen clean will help ensure maximum visibility and sensitivity for years. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so get into a regular habit of gently wiping down your screen after each drive. Your high-tech dashboard will thank you for it!

Approved Tesla Screen Cleaning Products

Tesla recommends using only approved screen cleaning products specifically designed for electronics and touchscreens. Regular glass cleaners like Windex can damage the special coatings on your Tesla touchscreen and are not recommended.

Tesla Screen Cleaning Kit

Tesla sells an official Screen Cleaning Kit with everything you need to clean your touchscreen properly. It comes with:

A microfiber cleaning cloth wipes away smudges, fingerprints, and dust. Safe for all touchscreen surfaces.

Isopropyl alcohol cleaning wipes: For stubborn stuck-on messes, these pre-moistened wipes contain 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect and sanitize your screen without leaving behind streaks or residue.

Lint-free cleaning swabs: Great for cleaning around buttons, knobs, and tight touchscreen areas. The soft bristles won’t scratch the display.

Alternative Screen Cleaners

If you don’t want to purchase the official Tesla kit, there are a few other safe alternatives:

Eyeglass cleaning spray or wipes: Designed for delicate lens surfaces, these are non-abrasive, anti-static, and safe for coated glass like your touchscreen. Popular brands include Zeiss, Nikon, and Eagle Eyes.

Distilled white vinegar: Combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and purified water in a spray bottle. Spray onto a microfiber cloth and wipe your screen—the acid in vinegar cuts through grease and grime. Make sure to dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

Isopropyl alcohol: You can also use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or diluted rubbing alcohol. Be very gentle, and make sure to dry completely to avoid damage.

Avoid Window cleaners (like Windex), abrasive cleaners, paper towels, and any product containing ammonia that can strip the special coatings on your touchscreen.

Gently wiping down your Tesla touchscreen regularly with approved cleaning products will help prevent permanent water spotting or stains and keep your display crystal clear for optimal use and visibility. Please take a few extra seconds to properly care for your high-tech touchscreen to ensure it lasts the lifetime of your vehicle.

Proper Technique for Cleaning Your Tesla Screen

To properly clean your Tesla’s large central touchscreen, using the right technique and cleaning products is important. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners, strong solvents like window cleaner, or paper products which can scratch the surface.

The Right Supplies

For the best results, use:

Microfiber cloth: A high-quality microfiber cloth effectively cleans sensitive surfaces like a touchscreen. Look for one specifically designed for cleaning electronics.

Distilled water: Plain distilled water is a safe, streak-free cleaner for touchscreens. Avoid tap water which can contain minerals that leave spots.

Isopropyl alcohol (optional): For stubborn smudges or grime, you can dilute a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with distilled water. Use a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part alcohol. Make sure the area is dry to avoid damage.

Proper Cleaning Technique

Here are the steps to safely clean your Tesla touchscreen:

Shut off the touchscreen. Turn off the touchscreen by selecting Controls > Display on the touchscreen. This will turn off the touch functionality so you don’t accidentally activate anything.

Dampen the microfiber cloth with distilled water or alcohol solution. Make sure the cloth is not soaking wet, just damp.

Gently wipe the screen using small circular motions, applying light pressure. Do not scrub hard.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the screen and remove any remaining moisture.

Re-enable the touchscreen. Go to Controls > Display again to turn the touchscreen back on.

Test the touchscreen. Run through basic functions like the map, audio controls and AC to ensure all touchscreen areas are clean and responding properly before driving.

Following these best practices for cleaning and protecting your Tesla’s touchscreen will help keep it looking new for years. Inspect the screen regularly and repeat the cleaning steps if you notice any new smudges or grime building up.

FAQ: Common Questions About Cleaning Tesla Screens

Tesla screens are designed to withstand normal wear and tear but should be properly maintained to keep your display clear and prevent damage. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning Tesla screens:

Can I use Windex or other glass cleaners?

Do not use Windex, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners on your Tesla screen. These can damage the special coatings and cause irreparable harm. Only gently wipe your screen with a soft, lint-free cloth like microfiber.

Is the tap or distilled water better?

Distilled or purified water is best. Tap water may contain minerals and impurities that can build up on the screen over time. Distilled water will help prevent water spots and hard water stains.

How often should I clean the screen?

Aim to wipe down your Tesla screen at least once a week or every 50-100 miles of driving for the best visibility. Gently wipe away fingerprints, smudges, or dust using a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water or an approved Tesla screen cleaner solution. Make sure the screen is completely dry to prevent water damage.

Can I use eyeglass lens wipes?

Eyeglass wipes specifically for cleaning lenses are fine for Tesla screens as long as they do not contain any alcohol, ammonia or abrasive chemicals. Check the ingredients to ensure they are non-toxic, pH neutral and safe for anti-reflective coatings. As always, wipe gently in a single direction using light pressure.

What about UV protective screen protectors?

Tesla does not recommend using any aftermarket screen protectors, as these have not been tested and could potentially damage or void your display’s warranty. The screens are made of strengthened glass and have built-in UV protection. Additional screen protectors are unnecessary and may cause visibility issues due to trapped air bubbles, scratches or peeling.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the definitive answer to many Tesla owners’ questions. While Windex is great for most glass surfaces, it could be better for your Tesla’s touchscreen and instrument display. The special coatings can be damaged, and you risk streaks, smears, and glare.

For the best results, stick to the recommendations from Tesla to keep your high-tech displays clean and functioning properly for the long run. A few simple swipes with a microfiber cloth and some distilled water or specialized screen cleaner is all it takes. Your Tesla’s advanced components deserve the best care, so take a few extra seconds to use the right products and techniques. Remember that, and you’ll enjoy crystal clear maps, media, and more for years.